Here is how Tottenham could line up against Newcastle United at St James’ Park
Tottenham Hotspur make the journey to Tyneside to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday evening. And going into the game, Thomas Frank knows that he cannot afford a repeat of the performance that the Lilywhites put in at home against Fulham at the weekend.
Fulham compounded Tottenham’s misery by beating them 2-1, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario costing his team the second goal with a blunder. Spurs found themselves 2-0 down inside seven minutes, completely rattled by a Fulham side who themselves have been struggling for form. Thomas Frank’s side did improve after the break and halved the deficit through Mohammed Kudus, but eventually the Cottagers held on and bagged three vital points on the road.
Thomas Frank is under real pressure heading into the game against Newcastle United. The 52-year-old is desperate to end this rut Tottenham find themselves in, but beating the Magpies at their perch would be an uphill task. That said, here are in how Spurs could line up against Newcastle.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Newcastle
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario bore the brunt of the Tottenham fans several times during the game. This is because the Tottenham goalkeeper gifted Fulham the second goal with his poor decision making. The Italian international charged off his line to intercept a pass aimed at Raul Jimenez, only for his awful clearance to fall to Harry Wilson, who beautifully curled the ball into an open net from a tight angle.
Thomas Frank defended Vicario after the game, calling the sections of Tottenham fans booing and jeering the shot-stopper “unacceptable”. The 29-year-old will be raring to redeem himself with a big performance against Newcastle.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
Cristian Romero has served his one-game suspension and is now available for selection. The Argentinean will walk back straight into the XI, replacing Kevin Danso and partnering Micky van de Ven in central defence. Romero and Van de Ven, being the experienced pros and leaders, have to take the responsibility of keeping Newcastle at bay.
Frank may decide to manage Destiny Udogie’s fitness following his injury problems this season. In that case, Djed Spence will replace Udogie at left-back. Pedro Porro, meanwhile, is expected to retain his spot at right-back.
Midfield: Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr
Tottenham’s midfield was overrun and outsmarted by Fulham too, which could lead to changes. Pape Matar Sarr could replace Archie Gray, looking to bring more energy to the side. Having Palhinha at the base should allow Sarr and Bergvall the license to join attacks.
Rodrigo Bentancur, Xavi Simons and Gray are expected to get opportunities off the bench.
Attack: Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani, Wilson Odobert
Mohammed Kudus has been arguably Tottenham’s best player this season. He scored a fine goal in the 2-1 defeat to Fulham and must be raring to make a difference at St James’ Park. The Ghanaian international should retain his spot on the right flank, but Wilson Odobert may get the nod to feature ahead of Richarlison.
Randal Kolo Muani looked sharp against Fulham, showing some lovely touches, movement and ability to link up play. The Frenchman brings something different than his fellow attackers, and considering how much he is contributing to the team, Frank should persist with him up top.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-2-2): Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence; Pape Matar Sarr, Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall; Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani, Wilson Odobert.
